canonistcanonist means an expert in canon law; canon lawyer. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 88 out of 100.EtymologyFrom canon + -ist.nounAn expert in canon law; canon lawyer.Down the rabbit holeEvery word is a door. Follow one.Often followed bydoctrinewhotheorytraditiongratianthoughthugucciohostiensisjohnjohannesteachingvanOften preceded bygreatcenturyitalianenglishlearnedcelebratedfamousspanishdistinguishedgreatestgermanmedievalexpertNear rhymescabalistmanumitcatechistfabulistwagon litwagon-litlatinistpassionisttalmudist